You can attend the Napa Valley Wine Auction the week of June 2 - 5 (Lot 19) and purchase the wine for charity (and a lot of fun extras) in person. or if you can't get to Napa, starting May 29 2011 you can bid online ( just click here ). The vines planted are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. Helena. MORE >>

But that is a part of the character and charm of Monte Bello, which distinguishes it from so many other wines from California, even those -- if not especially those -- from Napa Valley. Also tasted (blind): 2003 Ridge Vineyards California Mountain Merlot and 2005 Duckhorn Merlot Napa Valley Both very similar in style to the 2005 Monte Bello. MORE >>

According to the website, "A blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon , this right-bank inspired blend shows high-toned aromas of blackberry, black raspberry and bitter chocolate." Tags: Cellar Selection USA 2006 3 stars Napa Valley Just make sure you pay for it on the way out. MORE >>

The 2008 Monte Bello will (probably) be made from just cabernet sauvignon and merlot for the first time in twenty-five years. Difficult to compare to recent vintages (which have all included at least some cabernet franc or petit verdot) this is less flamboyant than the 2006 and 2007, and will benefit from extended cellaring. MORE >>

We tasted these wines blind over the past five nights, with a 2004 Freemark Abbey Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon thrown in to mix things up. The 2004 Freemark Abbey Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ** by contrast was mote black and abundantly oaky on the nose at first glance. But the predominant note on day 1 was the vanilla. MORE >>